How to Choose the Best Hob

When choosing the best hob, there are many factors to take into account. From price to energy efficiency. So deciding what features are important is essential.

A basic ceramic electric hob costs as little as PS100. However you'll have to pay more for a model with many features. Gas hobs, which are popular and offer great temperature control but are more expensive, are a different option.

1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob

This Haier hob has four cooking zones and three 'Push&Go" functions, and can help you prepare quick meals. It was among the fastest to boil water in our tests, taking just four minutes. It has a child lock and pause function so you can stop the process in a snap without having to fiddle with controls.

Its design is sleek and contemporary, blending in well with contemporary kitchens. It is usually made of glass (shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic, and features controls that are in the same place as the worktop to make it easy to use.

The controls are easy to operate and we loved the clear display that informs the current power setting and which of the five zones are in use. The 'Boost' feature produces high-powered heat for a brief period of time, and is ideal for stir-frying or bringing pans of water to a boil fast. Safety features such as the light on the hot hob and automatic shutoff are beneficial.

It's not as responsive as other hobs we tested in this test. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, as opposed to six or seven for other models. It also takes longer to respond when you alter the cooking temperature, meaning you may have to change settings several times before the pan reaches the right heat.

The model in 60 cm comes with four cooking zones including a half-flex zone where two zones can be joined together to accommodate larger pots and pans. It comes with a dual-ring design and can function on both 'normal and boost power levels. The Boost model is great for frying meat, searing it or bringing pots of water to a rapid boil.

It's fully connected through the hOn app, and offers 100's of recipes with cooking instructions and 30 different programs that are divided into various food categories and preparation styles. It features a simple multislider interface, as well as a lockable control panel. Additionally, it will automatically recognize the type of pan you're using and set up the correct cooking mode. It's also compatible with hOn pans made by third parties and has a number of safety features such as a lockable panel as well as boil-dry prevention.

2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob

When you're doing work on your kitchen or simply seeking a better alternative to gas induction hobs, they are becoming increasingly popular. Prices have dropped drastically in the last few years. Basic four-zone models are now available at less than PS100. If you want the latest induction technology, it is worth paying a bit more.

This sleek model from Smeg comes with the most advanced induction technology that makes cooking more efficient and energy efficient. The Auto-pot detection system detects pots with an overall diameter of at least 9 cm and automatically activates the appropriate zone.

Smeg's emphasis on energy efficiency doesn't overlook flexibility either This hob is designed to reduce power consumption by setting the maximum operating temperature of the zones to meet your cooking requirements. There are options to save even more energy by using the Eco-Logic advance mode which moderates the power output from 11.1 kW to as little as 2.4 4 kW.

The user-friendly interface of this stove impressed testers, with its easy-to-use sliding controls that follow your pan's contours along the edge of it. The control panel's color scheme allows you to quickly determine the operating status of each zone, while the 'Flexi Duo' feature allows you to connect two zones together to accommodate larger pans. There are many useful features, such as four automatic cooking presets (melting boiling, melting slow cooking, keeping warm) and a Power Boost for quick results.

The oven also comes with a FlameSensor which will alert you when there's a risk of a burnt-on meal or a fire. There are several safety features like a residual heat sensor as well as an automatic switch-off when the surface becomes too hot.

It also has a protective CleanProtect coating to help it resist tough marks and stains from cooking. The stove is simple to set up and has nine power levels as well as an excellent 'FlexiDuo' feature that allows catering for large pans. There are a host of additional features, including lockable controls and a safety fuse in the event of accidental button-pushing.

3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob

They are powered by electricity, not gas, induction hobs make use of copper plates that create a magnetic field when a pan is placed on top. This means that they can reach a temperature much quicker than conventional gas hobs and also save energy as the cooking area only is heated when you turn on a pan. They are generally less expensive to operate than gas and they are also easier to clean.

Indesit's induction stove is packed full of features to help you develop your cooking ideas. It comes with two distinct zones that can be combined to form the Dual Zone to accommodate larger pans, as well as an instant booster zone to quickly bring water to a boil. A range of automatic functions like Push&Go allow you to create perfectly cooked meals at the touch of one button. The controls are simple to use and let you select nine power modes including a P boost setting that gives maximum power to each zone for five minutes.

The controls are also easy to operate and feature an elegant, minimalist design that's perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it cooked pasta water in a flash and was quick to heat up once we placed an oven with hob on the Booster zone. However, it took some time to cool down after it was turned off from the hob. Additionally, our test participants were unable to determine the precise temperature on the control panel.

This Indesit hob also features the bridge function, which allows the user to combine two cooking zones to make larger pans. It also has a child lock, an overheating block and an automatic shut-off mechanism that prevents the oven from working if it gets too hot. Our testers appreciated the fact that there were no visible flames or flammable substances and the glass was easy to clean. Ventilated hobs and ovens in contrast to traditional extractors draw steam and smoke from the pan and out of the room by a duct located on the surface. The duct on this hob and oven was easy to clean, but it required two people in order to remove the filter.

4. Induction Hob by GE

When choosing a new hob uk take a look at how it fits to your kitchen's design and layout, in addition to your cooking style and your lifestyle. For instance, if you often cook with small children or elderly people in mind, security features such as automatic shut-off and an icy to the touch surface may make an induction cooker the best option. Alternatively, for those who prioritize efficiency and speed, an electric hob with a glass face that is wipe-clean is ideal. Gas hobs are a great option for those who live in areas that are susceptible to power outages.